Agricultural News

We recently welcomed our annual visit from the local vet from Piper Street, who conducted pregnancy tests and overall health checks for the animals at our school farm. This year, the local RSPCA ranger was part of the visit. During their visit, they assessed the animals, evaluated the condition of the grounds, checked records and reviewed the feed supplies (grain, hay, and chaff). While we are confident in our commitment to the animals' care, having these external agencies validate our practices adds an important layer of assurance. We are proud to have our efforts recognized and continue to prioritise the welfare of our animals. Keeping animals at school involves stringent accreditation and regulations to ensure their welfare. All students at MCC who interact with the school farm—whether through Agriculture classes (Stages 5-6) or Mandatory Technology classes (Years 7-8)—are required to sign a document that outlines the rules, regulations, and policies for handling our animal teaching aids.

Cattle: We are pleased to share that our steer, 'Utopia,' has found a new home. He was purchased by a student and will be prepared for a steer show at their home. Our remaining four bovines—Posie, Ebony, Quest, and Ice—are all expected to calve between September and October this year. We have also retained two heifer calves from 2023 to join our beef herd. All cows are calving to a stud Brangus Bull, ‘Boondaroo Affirmed. ’We are currently seeking expressions of interest from families who might be able to host the school's female cows and calves over the summer holidays. This would involve running them with a bull to get them in calf for the 2025 calving season. If you are interested in helping, please contact our Agriculture teacher, Miss Bailey, at kbailey3@arm.catholic.edu.au  for more details. 

Sheep: Recently four wethers and three ewe lambs were sold. We now have seven ewes in lamb to a stud Wiltipoll ram named ‘Rameo,’ kindly loaned to us by the Moss Family. Additionally, we have retained four replacement crossbred ewes (Cathy, Katie, Daphne, and Penny) from last year's natural increase, sired by the Australian White ram we previously had on loan. These new ewes will replace the older Merino ewes, which will be sold after this lambing season. We are shifting our focus towards self-shedding and meat breeds rather than straight wool breeds.

Term 3 action: This term, the school farm will be bustling with a variety of activities as part of our Agriculture study program. We plan to hatch chickens, explore hydroponics, and engage in vegetable gardening, flower planting, and herb germination. We will also be busy with calving cows, lambing ewes, and enhancing our garden area with new landscaping designs. Additionally, we aim to plant fruit trees and, weather permitting, address some necessary fencing repairs. All these activities will involve students from Years 7-12 and provide hands-on learning experiences as part of our comprehensive Agriculture Curriculum.

Kylie Bailey

Agriculture Teacher